OE-A at LOPEC 2026: Hands-on Innovations in Printed Electronics

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This year, 18 products and projects are in the running for the OE-A competition. The OE-A will present these to an international audience at LOPEC, expecting increased interest in the innovations submitted by companies, research institutions and universities from around the world.

"This year, we are seeing some very interesting projects in the field of health. Wearables are taking on therapeutic tasks, such as infrared radiation. But the variety of design options which printed electronics enables in car interiors is also impressive," says Dr Klaus Hecker, managing director of the OE-A, an international working group within the VDMA. OE-A is the leading international industry association for flexible and printed electronics and is organizing LOPEC 2026 together with Messe München at the ICM Munich from 24 to 26 February.

Sneak preview of exciting innovations

For the OE-A competition, Silicon Austria Labs, an Austrian research center, and its partner Mimotype from Berlin submitted a wearable sleeve with an integrated red light. The printed electronics are printed directly onto a soft TPU film, making the device comfortable, lightweight and easy to wear.

In the field of workplace safety, Interlink from the USA has developed a portable gas detection system. This consists of a miniaturized, high-performance gas sensor integrated onto a flexible substrate. This gas sensor can detect any type of gas development at an early stage and can also be used to detect forest fire and air quality monitoring.

Tactotek, based in Finland, and Tracxon, based in the Netherlands, have submitted two projects that open up new design possibilities in areas such as automotive interior. “Tactotek is competing with an illuminated emblem. The In-Mold Electronics process enables LEDs to be integrated directly into plastic surfaces. The result is an ultra-thin, lightweight and seamless construction that replaces bulky, multi-layer assemblies.

Tracxon, on the other hand, is focusing on a high-resolution, semi-transparent display to be integrated into the front and side windows of vehicles. These displays can interact with the driver and provide warnings in dangerous situations,” explains Klaus Hecker.

Public Choice Award – Your vote counts!

A jury of experts will evaluate the new concepts and products in three categories. There will also be the popular 'Public Choice Award' again. LOPEC visitors can vote for their favorite on 25 February at the OE-A booth (FO.33, ICM). The winners of the OE-A Competition will be announced at the awards show on Wednesday evening and will present their ideas in detail at the OE-A web seminar 'The Winners' on April 16, 2026.

The 10th edition of the OE-A Roadmap

The OE-A Roadmap provides detailed technology and application forecasts, supporting users, developers, researchers and policymakers in making strategic decisions. 'Find out more about the new roadmap at the booth and attend the Open Plenary session on the morning of 26 February to learn about current developments and future opportunities for printed electronics in the target markets,' recommends Klaus Hecker.​​​​​